Tile Advice from a Tycoon: A custom ceramic tile expert weighs in!

Well selected colors can make any tile application stand out

I was recently poking around on Twitter when I came across a guy named Richard Scott tweeting about tiles.   Ever the tile enthusiast, I checked out his site and was really impressed.  Scott owns an outfit in Seattle called Status Ceramics where they design and hand craft their own tiles.   Well… I had a couple of questions about how the tile world operates and thought you might be interested in learning a thing or two about tiles from a much bigger and better authority than I.  The following notes and tidbits are straight from the Tile Makers mouth…

Where do Tile Specialists get their inspiration (just in case I decide to hop into this line of work)?

Our inspiration comes from many sources including the current market and what we think will be the coming trends.  Since I <Richard Scott> employ several different artists I can vary the look of our design images.  To vary the looks of the tiles, Scotts team of engineers and designers play not only with colors but also shapes and glazes.  In the case of Scotts’ company, he focuses on traditional designs with leanings towards contemporary, pulling heavily from the background of his team members to come up with the designs.  I rely on our ceramist, Zsuzsa Bansaghi, she engineers our glazes but designs most of the Status line.  Her roots are in Hungary so her designs are more of the old world flavor.  Susan Boyd, our designer, works with Zsuzsa and together they are responsible for our glaze colors and presentation of the product line.

How does one get into this line of work?

Scott worked in the world of arts for a number of years doing everything from leaded glass, blown glass and beveled glass to pottery and eventually tile ceramics.  The transformation that a well done ceramic tile can create in a room is profound, and being able to work with custom tiles and projects lets you take rooms from mundane to masterpieces in just weeks.  

Hand Crafted Tiles offer special glazes and finishing details.

In your opinion, is tile installation or tile creation something that the average person could do?

If a person is mechanical in any way I believe they can install tile <Bold Statement>.  Some of the most creative installations have been by amateurs.  They have the time it takes to make it the way they want it to look.  It also provides them the opportunity not only to be creative but to use reclaimed tile or other objects.  The important thing to remember however is that the tile just is the finish and it’s what is behind the tile that’s important <Excellent Rule – think Shower Stalls!>.  Backsplash’s can be glued on the sheet rock but tile for a countertop should never be put over plywood or press board.  Yes, with patience and persistence most people can install tile.  Even my wife and she is a slap dabber <I’ll be using the term slap dabber again – thanks Richard!>.  Sometimes the professional look is not always the best!

a visual reference to a "slap dabber" project

What are some of your best money saving tips when it comes to tile?

1. Ask a lot of questions:  Do I use mastic or thin set?  Is this suitable for a floor?  What is the proper backing for this application?  Do I need to pre seal or just seal after grouting?  How do I mix the grout and apply it and how do I clean up? 
2. Make sure your materials fit the project that way you don’t have to do it twice. 

3. Recycle materials when possible and spend money on your backing materials and sealants.

 Renovation Junky Related Links: Planning a Tile Project

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